Spending review criticised for poor environment, food focus

By Rod Addy

- Last updated on GMT

The Spending Review was 'a chance for the new administration to show leadership in improving environment and protecting food supply' - CIEH
The Spending Review was 'a chance for the new administration to show leadership in improving environment and protecting food supply' - CIEH

Related tags Food safety Regulation hygiene & cleaning

The Government 'sidelined' food in its latest Spending Review, details of which were released on 4 September, according to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

"With Brexit casting a shadow over the UK’s food industry, the Government has again been unable to provide clarity to our farmers and our local authorities about the funding to maintain our food production and food chains,"​ said CIEH policy manager Tamara Sandoul.

Experts from CIEH, City College University of London and the University of Sussex were instrumental in urging local authorities to set up food resilience teams​ to help prepare for Brexit scenarios that might affect food provision and supply.

Sandoul also challenged the review for not focusing enough on environmental issues such as the growing air pollution crisis.

'Opportunity missed'

"With the Government’s flagship Environment Bill constantly being delayed, this was a chance for the new administration to show leadership in improving our environment and protecting our food supply. This opportunity seems to have been missed.”

However, she said she did welcome aspects of the spending announcement. "We very much welcome the £3.5bn package of funding for local services, and particularly the £24m additional funding to continue the building safety programme to ensure that all high-rise buildings are made safe in terms of fire safety."

CIEH is the professional voice for environmental health representing over 7,000 members working in the public, private and non-profit sectors. 

Related topics Food Safety Brexit

Related news

Show more